io6 



HYACINTH HYDRANGEA. 



soil is destroyed. They bloom well but once, though 

 they will produce inferior flowers for years. 



VARIETIES. 



All Hyacinths are seedlings or hybrids of the 

 old H. Orientalis, and the varieties are innumer- 

 able. Those wishing bulbs should consult the 

 catalogue of a dealer ; that of James Vick, Roches- 

 ter, N. Y., has always an extensive list, and no one 

 imports better bulbs. Eight shades each of the 

 single and double, some low and some tall grow- 

 ing, are catalogued. The single varieties are best 

 for winter forcing ; the Roman White for early 

 blooming. Its bells are small, pure white, very 

 fragrant and each bulb produces from three to five 

 spikes. They may be grown in three-inch pots and 

 will bloom by the first of December if started in 

 September. 



The brilliant little blue Amethyst Hyacinth of 

 Europe has flowers small, drooping and exquisitely 

 fragrant, and is perfectly hardy. 



HYDRANGEA. 



The Hydrangea is named from hydor, water, and 

 aggeion, a vessel ; the capsule of some of the species 

 has been compared to a cup, The plant is a dwarf 

 shrub, introduced into cultivation in 1736 from Vir- 

 ginia. Though blooming only in summer it is an 

 old favorite, on kcconnt of the great beauty of its 

 flowers as well as its hardiness. 



